Our classic Pride anthems will keep. But first, check out a quintet of new folk/rock albums from artists Julien Baker & Torres, Juanita & Juan, Talia Keys, Olive Klug and Cat Ridgeway.
“Send A Prayer My Way” (Matador) is the highly anticipated musical collaboration by queer singer/songwriters Julien Baker & Torres. Individually, Baker and Torres have established themselves as singular artists. But Baker seems to be at her best when she’s collaborating, whether as a member of Boygenius (with Phoebe Bridgers and Lucy Dacus), or guesting on solo albums by Becca Mancari, Bridgers, her partner Dacus, and others.
That’s why this pairing of Baker and Torres (aka Mackenzie Scott) makes musical sense. The 12-songs on the vinyl LP are steeped in modern country. “Bottom of a Bottle” (from which the album gets its title), with its reference to checking “every honky-tonk in town” after losing her woman, earns it place among torch and twang drinking songs. Baker and TORRES never fail to remind us that this is contemporary music, especially on songs such as “Downhill Both Ways,” “Sylvia,” “Off The Wagon,” and “Tuesday.”
https://julienbakerandtorres.com/
When it comes to the coolness factor, it’s hard to top “Jungle Cruise” (In The Red) by Juanita & Juan, a musical duo with more history in their little fingers than most people have in their whole bodies. In addition to recording albums under his own name, queer musician Kid Congo Powers (Juan) has been a member of influential bands such as the Cramps, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, and The Gun Club.
Alice Bag (Juanita) was a member of the highly regarded LA punk band the Bags and also appeared in the acclaimed Penelope Spheeris doc “The Decline of Western Civilization. As Juanita and Juan, they’ve recorded a punk-folk album that draws on their combined senses of humor (the title cut, “Aftertaste”), their political mindedness (“Put Down Your Weapons”), their bilingualism (“Interruptor,” “Ven A Mi”) and, most importantly their queerness (“The Prez” and “DBWMGWD,” which stands for “David Bowie Was My Gateway Drug”).
Adding to the album’s coolness element is that it’s pressed on day-glo pink vinyl and spins at 45 RPM.
https://juanitajuan.bandcamp.com/album/jungle-cruise
Salt Lake City’s Talia Keys is a queer multi-instrumentalist with an activist streak. You can hear it in her brand of blues-tinged folk on her new LP “From The Ashes” (Midtopia), available on tasty orange vinyl. When Keys sings “I haven’t fought this hard in such a long time/it seems like I’m fighting everyone,” LGBTQ listeners can surely relate to that sentiment now. The same holds true for “Be The Resistance,” which encourages listeners to be their “own empire” in these troubled times.
The sizzling soul tune “Matchstick” is fire and heats up with repeated listens. The strings on the soaring number “Sky Is Falling,” take the song to thrilling heights. “Find Your Own” brings the funk while celebrating feeling different and the joy of finding your own community. Keys bring it to a close with the beaming country of “Glowin’ Golden.”
https://www.taliakeys.com/index.html
Non-binary folksinger/songwriter Olive Klug cites Adrienne Lenker and Mal Blum among their influences, something that comes through loud and clear on their exceptional second album “Lost Dog” (Signature Sounds). This is 21st-century folk at its best – from the distinctive lyrics to the arrangements, these songs sound like a long-awaited update to a timeless genre. “Cold War,” is a perfect example of this.
What’s amazing is that Klug follows “Cold War” with “Train of Thought” which returns to folk’s roots, complete with a train theme. It’s this balancing act, which Klug makes sound effortless, that makes this record so compelling. Other examples include the title tune, “Opposite Action,” “Taking Punches From the Breeze,” and “What to Make of Me.”
https://oliveklug.com/
“Sprinter” (The Orchard) by queer singer/songwriter Cat Ridgeway may rock a little harder than the previously mentioned albums, but that doesn’t diminish its emotional impact. In fact, the sheer variety of musical styles found on “Sprinter” may cause many listeners to run towards it.
The album opening title track grabs you by the collar in the most persuasive manner. Then there’s that unexpected banjo on “Cursive.” “Look Ma, No Plans!” sounds like it might owe a debt to Liz Phair while Ridgeway fully embraces her folkie self on “Restless Leg Syndrome.” “What If?” is the album’s most daring track while “Get Well Soon” and “Forced Actors” are, to quote Ridgeway, “very punk rock” of her.
https://www.catridgeway.com/
Never miss a story! Keep up to date on the latest news, arts, politics, entertainment, and nightlife.
Sign up for the Bay Area Reporter's free weekday email newsletter. You'll receive our newsletters and special offers from our community partners.
Support California's largest LGBTQ newsroom. Your one-time, monthly, or annual contribution advocates for LGBTQ communities. Amplify a trusted voice providing news, information, and cultural coverage to all members of our community, regardless of their ability to pay. Donate today!
